Organ-specific mediation of lifespan extension: More than a gut feeling?

► Intestine-specific alterations in Insulin/IGF-1 signaling can result in longer lifespan in worms and flies. ► Knock-down of a mitochondrial electron transport chain subunit in the intestine of worms extends lifespan. ► Intestine-specific up-regulation of the Drosophila PGC-1 homolog extends lifespan. ► In the worm, the intestine acts as a signaling center influencing the rate of aging in responding cells. ► Maintaining intestinal homeostasis is important for healthy aging.